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It was the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight mash up that everyone wanted, but never came to fruition.

Junior dos Santos vs. Alistair Overeem was originally slated to go down at UFC 146 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on May 26, 2012. Unfortunately, "JDS" and "The Reem" never did get the chance to prove who was the baddest 265-pounder on the planet because of Overeem's failed random drug test that kept him from being approved for a license to fight in Nevada.

Since that time, dos Santos went on to destroy Frank Mir at UFC 146, and he's currently said to be fighting Cain Velasquez next. However, the bout between he and Velasquez has curiously still not been signed or confirmed for any event.

In the meantime, Overeem has constantly and loudly campaigned to be next in line for the title shot that was once promised to him. In December, he will be able to appear before the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) to apply for a license. Assuming he is approved, he wants to fight dos Santos as soon as possible.

During an interview with FUEL TV's "UFC Tonight," Overeem reiterated sentiments he has been making for months now, stating that he believes "Cigano" is ducking him, and that he is afraid:

"I think he's afraid to fight me. He was happy that the last fight on May 26 didn't happen against us. I approached him at the UFC Fighter Summit in Vegas and said, 'Let's do it. Let's prove something to the world and lets fight.' Then he suddenly acted like he didn't understand English and how he wants to fight Cain first. The fact of the matter is, I'm the number-one heavyweight in the world and if he wants to be the number-one heavyweight, he has to come through me."

Overeem is very confident that getting a license will not be an issue this time around. The fight between he and dos Santos may end up not being made, but as far as "Ubereem" is concerned, it won't a licensing problem that derails this fight:

"My manager and I have a good relationship with the (Nevada State Athletic) Commission and we're taking all steps necessary and following all the rules, and I don't expect any problems to get my license from the commission when the time comes."

Recently, dos Santos was quoted as calling Overeem a "punk" that he wanted to "shut up." Overeem has since seen the comments, and he is amused:

"First he wants to fight Cain [Velasquez] and now me. Talk all you want. Come into the Octagon. I will immediately say yes. Give me and the fans what they want. But he's expecting that fight not to happen. I would welcome that fight and want it to happen. I would say yes every time to that fight."

In closing, Overeem made a heartfelt plea to dos Santos to consent to fight him and to give everyone the fight they allegedly want.

He may be appealing to the wrong powers, but his request should be duly noted:

"Junior, give me and the fans and the UFC what they want. You've already fought Cain. That would just be another win. But a win over me would give you the number-one spot. Without a win over me, they'll always question your championship. So bring it to the table, my friend."